creating a new urban ecosystem

32
For Members of Lincoln Park Zoo A Magazine of Conservation and Education Winter 2009 Creating A New Urban Ecosystem The Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo

Upload: lincoln-park-zoo

Post on 29-Mar-2016

216 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

Winter 2009 Lincoln Park Zoo Magazine

TRANSCRIPT

For Members of Lincoln Park Zoo • A Magazine of Conservation and Education • Winter 2009

Creating A NewUrban EcosystemThe Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo

The Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park ZooComing soon—a new urban ecosystem! This special sectionhighlights Lincoln Park Zoo’s plans to transform the South Pondinto the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo, a haven fornative wildlife and an outdoor classroom for students of all ages.

A Green Oasis in the Heart of the CityThe revitalized Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoowill feature natural shorelines, native vegetation and are-engineered pond, creating a spectacular place forlocal conservation, education and relaxation.

Engineering a New Urban EcosystemLearn what it takes to transform a man-made spaceinto a naturalistic setting. Construction plans, a proj-ect timeline and Earth-friendly methods all factor in.

Wildlife at the Nature BoardwalkNative species, including birds, bugs, frogs, fish andreptiles, will enliven the native landscape of theNature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Education at the Nature Boardwalk This new facility will serve as a living classroom. Find out how the zoo plans to present hands-on lessonson pond ecology.

Science at the PondZoo scientists are using their expertise toestablish the Nature Boardwalk at LincolnPark Zoo as a living, local ecosystem.

Cold Temps, Cool Techniques Think your winter jacket is the best way to beat OldMan Winter? Think again. Cold-weather animals employcool adaptations to stay toasty.

Snakes Need Saving TooAn unexpected arrival makes a big difference for zoo plans topreserve the endangered eastern massasauga rattlesnake.

Warm, Welcoming & Winged The constant 70-degree temperature is nice in winter months,but the residents of the McCormick Bird House have thepower to evoke the spirit of summer.

Gombe UpdatesProbing for parasites and surveying maternal stress are the lat-est steps zoo scientists are taking to understand and conserveGombe National Park’s chimpanzees.

1 PerspectiveLincoln Park Zoo President and CEO Kevin J. Bellexplains how the creation of the Nature Boardwalkat Lincoln Park Zoo reflects the zoo’s commitmentto conservation and community.

17 Amazing AdaptationsAnimals have waves of adaptations for stayingwarm during winter, but one scaly species reallytakes the plunge.

20 the Wild FileA swamp monkey family is reunited, caiman lizardslounge at Regenstein Small Mammal-ReptileHouse, a gorilla exercise program and the Year ofthe Frog in review.

22 the Back storyThere’s a new black rhinoceros at RegensteinAfrican Journey. Zoo staff hope the renovated yardshe’ll share with the resident male prompts a popu-lation boom.

24 news of the Zoo Perhaps New at the Zoo is more appropriate.

Explore plans for the new Nature Boardwalk atLincoln Park Zoo, meet the new curator ofbirds and celebrate new awards granted tozoo staff.

departments( )

Volume 6 Number 2 • For Members of Lincoln Park Zoo

in this issue

President and CEOKevin J. BellArt DirectorPeggy MartinEditorJames Seidler

PhotographerGreg NeiseStaff WriterChris McNamara

LINCOLN PARK ZOO MAGAZINE

Cover: A black-crowned night heron takes flight over the South Pond.Right: The transformed Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo will welcome

local butterflies, birds, frogs and fish.

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614, 312-742-2000,www.lpzoo.org. Lincoln Park Zoo is supported through a public/private partnershipbetween the Chicago Park District and The Lincoln Park Zoological Society. The onlyprivately managed free zoo in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo relies on membership,individual, foundation and corporate support as well as earned revenue.

14

18

26

28

QUESTIONS?Contact the Membership

Department. Staff are on hand during normal business

hours—phone 312-742-2322 or visit us online atwww.lpzoo.org.

2

5

6

9

10

Cert no. SW-COC-001613

This brochure was printed using Green Energy Certificates

Our printer buys Certified Renewable Energy

green-e.org

perspective( )

President and CEOKevin J. Bell

Lincoln Park Zoo has embarked on what may be the most ambi-tious project in our 140-year history. The South Pond, a destinationfor generations of visitors, is being transformed into the Nature

Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo. This revi-talized landscape will provide a haven fornative birds, frogs, fish and insects whileserving as an outdoor classroom for stu-dents of all ages.

This restoration continues a proudarchitectural tradition. From building theMcCormick Bird House in 1904 to shap-ing the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo’snorth-woods landscape in 2005, the zoohas created facilities to meet the needs of

animals and excite the imagination of visitors.The creation of the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo repre-

sents an entirely new undertaking, however. Instead of constructing abuilding to house wildlife, the zoo is creating a fresh, natural ecosys-tem. Acres of native vegetation will cleanse waters and provide shelterfor tadpoles and dragonflies. A deepened pond will provide a refugefor native fish and turtles during cold Chicago winters. An expansiveinteractive boardwalk will provide close views of local wildlife. Andwide-ranging educational programs, anchored at the new Peoples GasEducation Pavilion, will help citizen scientists embrace the impor-tance of pond ecosystems.

Once restored, the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo will bea living place—a refuge for native animals and a benchmark for localconservation, one that will hopefully be emulated around the globe.

Transforming this landscape will require $12 million. Thanks tothe generosity of donors, we are close to that goal. By making a con-tribution to this project, you can help us fully realize the possibili-ties of the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo.

The reenvisioned Nature Boardwalk is scheduled to be unveiledin spring 2010, at which point management of the area will betransferred from the Chicago Park District to Lincoln Park Zoo. Weare proud to assume this responsibility to serve native wildlife andthe local community.

The South Pond and Lincoln Park Zoo share a long history,stretching back to 1868, when the zoo’s first animals—a pair ofswans—swam there. By committing to this restoration, we envisiona far greater future, one that benefits the environment, animals, vis-itors and the wonderful city they share.

Join us in this transformation.

The South Pond Transformed

WINTER 2009 1

By transforming the South Pond into the Nature Boardwalkat Lincoln Park Zoo, the zoo isn’t just providing a facelift to alongstanding Chicago landmark. Instead, we’re creating anentirely new urban ecosystem.

Crumbling concrete pathways will give way to an interactiveboardwalk offering beautiful views and new opportunities forvisitors to experience nature. Steel barriers surrounding thepond will be replaced with native plants that shelter tadpoles andminnows and provide natural filtration to cleanse the water. Thepond will be dredged to provide the depth necessary to shelterfish over cold winters. And the surrounding landscape will betransformed, with acres of native grasses providing a glimpse ofthe area as it existed in its native state.

“We’re creating a new habitat,” says Lincoln Park ZooPresident and CEO Kevin J. Bell. “The Nature Boardwalk willestablish a benchmark for green space, local conservation andenvironmental education.”

Designed by a team led by Shaw Environmental &Infrastructure, the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo will bea welcoming spot for recreation and learning. The pond’s northend will highlight Café Brauer and Carlson Cottage, emphasizingthe area’s historic ties to the Chicago community. On the pond’swest bank, signs and learning stations will address human impacton water, using the nearby Farm-in-the-Zoo Presented by JohnDeere as an educational tool.

The open space on the pond’s east side will be a nature retreatin the city, an undeveloped area where visitors can contemplatenative plants and wildlife. The Peoples Gas Education Pavilion willprovide a launching point for countless explorations of pond ecol-ogy while a reconstructed island near the pond’s south end pro-vides a refuge for migratory birds seeking rest.

Scheduled for completion in 2010, this transformed ecosys-tem will serve as an oasis for people as well as a habitat forwildlife. It will stand as a symbol of Lincoln Park Zoo’s commit-ment to community and conservation.

A Green Oasis in the Heart of the City

<<

2 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

WINTER 2009 3

TransformedSouth Pond

Below: The Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo will provide a haven for native wildlife and an outdoor classroom for visitors of all ages. Above:

A re-engineered pond, acres of natural habitat and an expansive interactive boardwalk will provide an amazing urban wildlife experience.

4 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Wood DuckAix sponsa

Newly hatched wood ducks havea rough introduction to theworld outside of their nest.After spending their first dayssnuggling with mom, they wad-dle to the edge of their tree cavity—as high as20 feet off the ground—and leap out.

But the thing is, they can’t yet fly. Don’t have flightfeathers. So at the end of that plummet, they splash intothe water or they plop onto the earth below. “They’reslightly bouncy,” says Curator of Birds ColleenLynch with a laugh. “They just get up and walk orswim away.”

Unlike most ducks, which nest on theground, wood ducks make homes out of treeholes. They are among the most colorful ofducks, particularly the males, which areadorned with green, maroon and beigefeathers against a black body. Femalesare drab by comparison, but their browncoloration helps when hiding frompredators among trees.

Both males and females have webbedfeet equipped with sharp claws that facili-tate perching on tree branches throughoutNorth America. Broad wings help wood ducksmaneuver among branches when in flight. Bothof these adaptations were on display when thebirds populated the South Pond. They should beseen again once the Nature Boardwalk at LincolnPark Zoo is complete.

Clawed feet. High-performance wings. It’s daredevilstuff. Similar to that dramatic drop early in life, whichdoesn’t seem to stick with the birds long. Females oftenreturn to the same tree cavity in which they hatched to laytheir own clutches.

field note( )

WINTER 2009 5

When complete, the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln ParkZoo will offer a transformed landscape—a home to nativeplants, fresh water and countless eager visitors. Before thisnatural setting can be unveiled, though, the engineers ofChristopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. have to completelyreinvision the existing pond.

Their task can be divided into two phases: draining thepond and then building a native ecosystem around it. Stageone is already complete. The pond was gradually loweredin December, with project managers taking advantage ofwinter weather to allow the waterlogged substrate to dry.

In May 2009, the intensive work will begin. Front-load-ers will dismantle asphalt pathways and steel edging asbackhoes dig into the pond substrate, dredging decadesworth of accumulated silt and deepening the pond bottomto create a more hospitable habitat. The pond bottom willbe inspected for structural flaws to ensure a sound base,and by mid-summer the interactive boardwalk and educa-tional pavilions will be under construction.

All construction has been planned to minimize the cor-responding environmental impact. Materials dredged fromthe pond will be re-used as fill on site, reducing the need toimport or export dirt. The 5,220-foot-long boardwalk willbe constructed from reclaimed materials; recycled plasticand wood will be used to establish a classic plank-and-rail-ing structure. Even the timing of the restoration was scaledto nature’s rhythms, with construction scheduled to avoiddisrupting migratory birds that frequent the site.

By fall 2009, landscape architects WRD Environmentalwill be creating a new, natural ecosystem, planting acres ofnative plants around the pond to ensure a sound home forlocal wildlife. The pond is slated to be refilled by late fall,with spring 2010 plantings at the water’s edge coincidingwith the Nature Boardwalk’s unveiling.

“We are proud to assume the responsibility of transform-ing the South Pond into the Nature Boardwalk at LincolnPark Zoo,” says Vice President of Facilities Neal David. “Thenew landscape will provide our visitors with an unparalleledurban-wildlife experience.”

Engineering a NewUrban Ecosystem

<<

TransformedSouth Pond

Below, left: New, native shores will shelter tadpoles and fish while cleansing water

with natural filtration. Above: A team of engineers, architects, environmental consult-

ants and educators planned the transformed Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Front row, left-to-right: Darren Olson, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Beth

Zacherle, Studio Gang Architects, Jan Schuler-Hicks, Shaw Environmental &

Infrastructure, Jeanne Gang, Studio Gang Architects, Robert J. Kirschner, Chicago

Botanic Garden. Back row, left-to-right: Nicole Kehl, Lincoln Park Zoo Wildlife

Research Manager, Frank Jakubicek, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Bill

Abolt, Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Steve Thompson, Lincoln Park Zoo

Senior Vice President of Conservation Programs, Lee Fell, Christopher B. Burke

Engineering, Neal David, Lincoln Park Zoo Vice President of Facilities, Geoff Deigan,

President, WRD Environmental, Meredith Sessions, WRD Environmental. Below:

Construction began in November 2008. The transformed Nature Boardwalk at

Lincoln Park Zoo is scheduled to be unveiled in early 2010.

Before renovation began, there was plenty of wildlife at theSouth Pond—birds and fish, turtles and insects. The problemwas, much of it wasn’t native to the area. For every wood duckthere were countless introduced European starlings. For everynative blue gill swimming through the pond, there were inva-sive carp as well.

The species making their homes at the South Pond were ahodgepodge. How did they get here? Many fish and turtleswere dumped by owners who’d grown tired of them. Some ofthe birds had stopped during migration and never left.

When the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo is com-pleted in spring 2010, zoo experts hope that all wildlife will benative to this region. Cooper’s hawks and blue herons willsoar overhead. Green sunfish and bluegill will dart throughthe water. Dragonflies will buzz past visitors’ ears.

“We’re transforming a place that’s currently unnatural intosomething much more naturalistic,” says Senior VicePresident of Conservation Programs Steve Thompson, Ph.D.,who is helping engineers create elements that will welcomeand support native wildlife. A deeper pond will support clean-er water and help native fish winter at the bottom. A naturaledge will help animals enter and leave the water. Nativeplantlife will provide shelter and food.

The area has been and will continue to be a resting spot formigrating birds. It’s natural that some regionally unnaturalbirds will show up on occasion, but the core species of birdswill be native to the region.

“After renovation, we expect to see a lot of speciesalready seen at the zoo,” says Curator of Birds ColleenLynch. “The black-crowned herons that summer on thepond’s island will return to the area after the constructioncrews leave. This is one of two spots in Illinois where theyhave been sighted, and they’ll play a crucial role in the newecosystem.”

Wildlife at theNature Boardwalk

<<

TransformedSouth Pond

The Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo’s transformed land-

scape will provide habitat for animals in every niche of the pond

ecosystem. Native prairie plants (bottom right) will supply food and

shelter for insects such as the polyphemus moth caterpillar (left).

The pond’s waters will provide a place for mating 12-spot skimmer

dragonflies (top left) to lay their eggs, although many of their aquat-

ic offspring may fall prey to pond fish such as blue gill (bottom left)

before maturing. In turn, blue gill and other freshwater fish provide

meals for black-crowned night herons (top right), completing the

circle of the pond ecosystem.6 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

WINTER 2009 7

8 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

field note( )American KestrelFalco sparverius

Lincoln Park Zoo exhibits NorthAmerica’s most prolific raptor. No, not thebald eagle. Nor the snowy owl. Rather, it’s abird no larger than a blue jay (and no morefearsome looking). Standing just a foottall with a 21-inch wingspan, theAmerican kestrel is among the small-est, most successful—and possiblycutest—winged predators in NorthAmerica.

The Pritzker Family Children’sZoo can be seen as both a retire-ment home and boarding schoolfor a pair of American kestrels. Theaged female can be identified by thenarrow black bands on her tail. Hercompanion (pictured here) justrecently lost his juvenile plumageand now displays the characteristicblue wings of adult males. “It’s impor-tant to give children an understandingof the range of life stages in wildlife,” saysLead Keeper Michael Brown-Palsgrove,whose gloved hand is pictured as a perch in thephoto. “The younger male, for example, is muchmore active and inquisitive than the female. And that’snatural.”

In the wild, kestrels are more like squatters than developers.They opt to nest in natural tree cavities or woodpecker holesrather than making their own homes. “If you provide the righthabitat for them, you could even tempt them to nest in yourbackyard,” says Curator of Birds Colleen Lynch. “Especiallysince urban development has eradicated a lot of natural cavitiesin which the birds would nest.”

The transformed ecosystem of the Nature Boardwalk atLincoln Park Zoo may offer suitable habitat to entice the birdsof prey, great news for those who will enjoy seeing these prodi-gious predators in action and undoubtedly dispiriting news forthe species on which the kestrel preys.

BY LYDIA WOOD

In its current condition, the South Pond is a passive learning envi-ronment. If visitors were really motivated to learn about wetlandswildlife, they could glean a few things from the birds flying overheadand any fish or insects they could spot in the water. An educationalcart staffed by a zoo volunteer is often at the water’s edge, providinga more structured form of education.

But when the South Pond is transformed into the NatureBoardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo in early 2010, the educational oppor-tunities will be as exciting and expansive as the natural elements. Thehabitat will reach its full potential, as will the opportunities to learn.

“We are planning a diverse suite of new programs for the NatureBoardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo,” says Vice President of EducationRachel Bergren. “School groups have utilized the South Pond as alearning laboratory for many years, and we will definitely welcomethe students and teachers back to the pond. However, we also wantto provide exciting learning experiences for zoo members, oureveryday zoo guests, neighborhood families and the Chicago com-munity at large.”

The educational hub will be the innovative Peoples Gas EducationPavilion, designed to anchor a wide range of learning programs. Thestructure will resemble the shell of one of the turtles splashingthrough the nearby water. The programming inside will touch on allaspects of life at the Nature Boardwalk and be geared to a wide rangeof audiences, from young schoolchildren to adults who happen towander into a lecture.

Mobile labs will promote hands-on lessons on pond ecologywhile trained pond naturalists interpret wetlands wildlife. An inter-active boardwalk circling the pond will engage visitors and providenew opportunities for experiencing nature.

At the Nature Boardwalk, the pupils will be enriched as much asthe environment. “New programs will begin in spring 2010,” addsBergren. “We look forward to seeing you there.”

Education at the Nature Boardwalk

<<

TransformedSouth Pond

Above: Learning kits and pond naturalists will guide visitors of all ages in exploring the pond ecosystem. Below: Modeled on a turtle’s shell, the Peoples

Gas Education Pavilion will serve as a launching point for pond learning.

In the years leading up to its transformation, the South Pond served as a living laboratory, hostingstudents of all ages as they performed experiments. Middle-school scientists scanned the skies, record-ing birds that made their homes at the pond. High-school researchers probed the waters, investigatingoxygen levels and pollution. These studies played a key role in helping budding scientists better under-stand the field of research.

The South Pond’s greatest experiment lies ahead, however, as the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln ParkZoo seeks to create a new natural space in the heart of the city. Researchers in the zoo’s Conservation& Science Department are playing a major role in this endeavor, pooling their expertise to develop aliving, local ecosystem.

“The goal of the Nature Boardwalk is to naturalize this space,” says Senior Vice President ofConservation Programs Steve Thompson, Ph.D. “We’re taking something that was completely man-made and transforming it into a natural habitat.”

“Restoration ecology” is the name scientists use for such landscape-rehabilitation efforts. By revi-talizing the area with clean water and native vegetation, the researchers hope to create a hospitablehabitat for a full variety of pond animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles and insects.

The zoo’s diverse scientific expertise is well-suited for such a wide-ranging endeavor. Populationbiologists at the Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology will apply experience gained inTanzania and Argentina to the zoo’s backyard, planning reintroduction programs for local frogs and fish. Epidemiologists from the Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology will monitorthe health of pond animals. Field researchers affiliated with the Urban Wildlife Institute will lend a hand in monitoring new arrivals, keeping tabs on turtles, for instance, to better inform manage-ment decisions.

“We’re creating a natural habitat, but we’ll need to manage that ecosystem over time to ensure thatit stays natural,” says Vice President of Conservation & Science Dominic Travis, D.V.M. “It’s going tobe a dynamic ecosystem. It’ll be exciting to experience the change.”

Science at the PondTransformedSouth Pond

<<

Below, left: The zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute will play a leading role in monitoring the health of the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo. Urban Wildlife

Institute interns Kirsten Almberg (left) and Aaron Nash can be seen collecting nest-predation data in the field along with Research Assistant Colleen

O’Donnell. Below, right: Establishing a living ecosystem in the heart of Chicago is the challenge before zoo scientists.

field note( )Eastern Screech Owl Megascops asio

With a name like “screech owl,” you might get the wrongidea about this small and elusive bird. See, the screech owldoesn’t really screech. Those who have heard its characteristiccall describe it as tremulous. Ghostly even. Curator of BirdsColleen Lynch describes it as “a weird horse whinny.” It maynot be musical, but that call works wonders at fending intrud-ers off the screech owl’s territory.

Measuring 10 inches from beak to tail and weighing justone-third of a pound, the screech owl is one of the smallestNorth American owls. Like larger cousins, they have mottledfeathers with prominent ear tufts and eyes like flying saucers.Interestingly, this species comes in two color phases, gray andrufous, that do not seem to vary by gender, season or age.

The Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo houses an owl of eachcolor, but keen eyes are required to spot them. These tinybirds avoid detection by maintaining an upright, motionlessposition amid similarly colored tree branches.

Small and still, these birds are difficult to imagine as suc-cessful hunters in the wild. But they feast on insects, smallmammals, reptiles and birds; the Eastern screech owl enjoysthe most varied diet of any North American owl. Ironically,Lead Keeper Michael Brown-Palsgrove has never seen themindulge. “They’re really shy eaters,” he explains. “They won’teat during the day at all.”

The transformed habitat of the Nature Boardwalk at LincolnPark Zoo may attract these diminutive predators, which aremonogamous and cooperatively rear offspring. But in order tospot a pair, visitors should rely less on their eyes than their ears.And maybe even their goose bumps.

BY LYDIA WOOD

WINTER 2009 11

12 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

field note( )Bufflehead Bucephala albeola

It sounds like an insult—“You bufflehead!” But rather than being a put-down, that name refers to the bird’s occasionally bulbous “buffalo head,” mostapparent when the male puffs his feathers in display.

Buffleheads are common around North American bodies of water, wherethey dive for snails, insects and seeds. They were frequently spotted at theSouth Pond and should return once the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoois completed.

Males have white chests, black wings and dark heads with two large whitedots. These dots are smaller on females, which are brown in coloration. Duringbreeding season, the male’s head changes from black to an iridescent mixtureof purple and green—a signal of virility to females.

Largely monogamous, breeding pairs return to the same abandoned wood-pecker holes to nest each year. When chicks hatch, the female leads them—unde-veloped feathers and all—in jumping out of the nest to the forest floor below.

This leap of faith so early in life is a brave move. So brave, you might say,that one day the term “bufflehead” could become a compliment. Then we canget to work on behalf of the dodo.

WINTER 2009 13

TransformedSouth Pond

While the transformed landscape of the NatureBoardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo will provide a placeof refuge and learning for the Chicago community,it’s the generosity of this same community—busi-nesses and individuals throughout the region—thathas helped make this project a reality. Lincoln ParkZoo gratefully acknowledges the following contrib-utors, who have supported this project with a sig-nificant gift.

ArcelorMittalMary and Nick BabsonBank of America FoundationChicago Park DistrictEfroymson Family Fund/a CICF FundGeraldine and John FiedlerAnne and Charles C. HaffnerIllinois Environmental Protection AgencyIllinois Tool Works FoundationMcCormick FoundationCourtney and Roger McEniryMidwest GenerationNorthern TrustPeoples GasKay and Jay ProopsRegenstein FoundationThe Siragusa FoundationTawani FoundationWomen’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo

While construction is underway, more workremains to be done. By making a donation today,you can establish the Nature Boardwalk at LincolnPark Zoo as a haven for native wildlife and an out-door classroom for students of all ages.

Visit www.lpzoo.org/support/natureboardwalk.htmlor call 312-742-2332 to find out how you can makea difference.

“ArcelorMittal is proud to partner with Lincoln Park Zoo in creating the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo. Wehope the project will sustain and enhance the local environ-ment while increasing environmental awareness among zooand Lincoln Park visitors.”

Bill Steers, President, ArcelorMittal USA Foundation

“We consider Lincoln Park Zoo and theSouth Pond to be in our “backyard” and derive great enjoyment from ourdaily walks through the area. John and I had noticed deterioration in the SouthPond, and we were very happy to learnthat Lincoln Park Zoo had launched acampaign to restore and re-imagine thisgreat Chicago resource.”

Geraldine and John Fiedler

CommunityContributions

14 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

COOLTechniques When we get cold, we shiver. Muscle groups around our vital organs quake and, in creating thatmotion, generate heat to warm us up. The European white storks at the Regenstein Birds of PreyExhibit don’t shiver as visibly as we do. Those knobby knees don’t clack together. Rather, like allbirds, they experience less drastic muscle contractions, invisible to our eyes but capable of gener-ating heat and keeping the animals comfortable. (Of course, if it gets too cold, the storks just ambleinside to warm up. All Lincoln Park Zoo animals have the option to come indoors during inclementweather.)

BY CHRIS MCNAMARA

COLDTemps,

WINTER 2009 15

Cool? You bet. But the storks’ behavior is just one cold-bat-tling technique on display at Lincoln Park Zoo, where the ani-mals—and the staff who care for them—employ such a widerange of warming tricks that it makes our winter coats lookdownright pathetic. Take a look…

Hot Rocks and Warm Hollows As the species on display at the Pritzker Family Children’s

Zoo are native to wintery regions, they’re built for the cold—thick coats on red wolves, layers of fat on black bears, waterprooffur on the river otters and American beavers.

But that doesn’t mean the red wolves don’t snuggle atopthe heated rocks within their exhibit or the black bears won’tcurl up inside the heated tree hollow. The beaver lodge has aheated floor—perfect for afternoon naps—and the ottersscamper inside when rocketing down their frozen waterslidegets tiresome.

Hardy Birds with Bare FeetThe hardy souls at the outdoor Birds of Prey Exhibit, includ-

ing the European storks, alter their metabolic rate in winter inorder to generate more body heat. To recoup this extra energy,they eat more food. More meaty bones for the cinereous vul-tures. More rats for the snowy eagles, which employ dense layersof feathers—including special flaps that extend to cover thefeet—to trap heat even while nesting on the frozen ground.(Look closely…those white feathers are good camouflage.)

Layering Native to elevated regions of cold swaths of central Asia, the

white-lipped deer at the Antelope & Zebra Area grow a secondcoat in the fall for added insulation. (Layering, your mommight say.) And just as their wild cousins fatten up for coldermonths, deer at the zoo receive an increased winter diet to fuelextra energy for keeping warm.

Nearby, the Sichuan takin get to use their concealing col-oration when the white stuff falls. Native to the mountains ofChina, these ox revel in cold weather. “They have a heavy coatall year round but grow a seasonal winter coat that serves asinsulation and protection from the elements,” says Curator ofMammals Dave Bernier. “Even newborn takin are comfortablein cold weather.”

Attitudinal AdaptationAs most primates are native to tropical regions, they expe-

rience little physiological change in cold months. And since thetemperature in their exhibits is constant, it’s life as normal.Those with the option to go outside adapt well to Chicago’sclimate. “The gorillas will grab handfuls of snow and eat it,”says Zoological Manager of Primates Maureen Leahy. “Thechimpanzees love to play in it.”

More Please As anybody who hits the gym each spring to shed winter

weight can tell you, animals—including you and me—ofteneat more in winter to bulk up and combat the cold. So whenthe temperature drops, Lincoln Park Zoo Nutrition ManagerShana Lavin, Ph.D., ups the output from the zoo commis-sary.

“Every animal is different, but most have increased ener-gy needs,” she explains. Big cats at the Kovler Lion House aregiven more meat with a higher fat percentage. Many animalsrequire Vitamin D supplements to account for limited sunexposure.

Some winter foods double as enrichment, like the rabbitcarcasses given to the African wild dogs at RegensteinAfrican Journey. The extra protein is important, sure, but thedogs enjoy playing with their meals in the snow too.

Then there are those species that eat less. Bears’ metab-olisms’ slow—they eat less and sleep more, mimicking (in atruncated fashion) the hibernation that their wild counter-parts are undergoing. And the polar bears eat less chow, fishand produce in winter than summer. Their bodies are attunedto long stretches of food scarcity in the extremely coldmonths of their native Arctic Ocean region.

Winged residents of the McCormick Bird House don’t seemuch change in their diet, unless they are breeding and foodfactors into their courtship/mating behavior. More caloriesare required by birds that are breeding, which is yet anotherway to keep temperatures up.

Left: Arctic animals, such as polar bears, are naturally adapted to

icy conditions. Right: Cinereous vultures adapt their metabolism to

stay toasty in their exhibit (although an indoor refuge always awaits

if they get too chilly).

Snowballs are used as enrichment for swamp monkeys. Keeperswill hide food in clumps of snow for drills to dig out. Busy handsand minds are warm ones.

Indoor/Outdoor Zoological Manager of Regenstein African

Journey and Carnivores Mark Kamhout hasthe full spectrum of species under his watch.Some thrive in cold months; others requirespecial (warm) attention.

Most of the big cats at the Kovler LionHouse increase their activity when temper-atures plummet. Female lions romp out-side, and the older male follows them.Amur tigers, native to frosty regions ofChina, Russia and Korea, burrow into snowbanks quite comfortably. The Afghan leop-ard lounges in the frost, as does the redpanda, which wraps its tail around itself. “Itlooks like a big, red puffball,” saysKamhout.

The African animals vary. Giraffes’ long

legs may be graceful on the savanna, but they don’t do well on ice,so Kamhout is cautious about letting them into the yard when it’sfrozen. Often times, that’s just fine. “The giraffes prefer to be insidemuch of the winter,” says Kamhout. “They’re not much different

from people in that regard.” When they choose to be outside, the

warthogs huddle together in their wallow.The African wild dogs also snuggle togeth-er in a ball of furry warmth. “You can’t tellwhere one wild dog starts and anotherends,” says Kamhout. “It’s just a big pile offur and tails and ears.”

As you’d expect, the residents of theMcCormick Bear Habitat display a widerange of cold-weather behavior. While thepolar bears are busy sliding down snowbanks, the Andean and Malayan sun bearsmost often lounge within heated indoorenclosures nibbling on grub. “These bearsdon’t undergo a true hibernation,” saysKamhout. “They just slow down a bit inthe winter.” <<

16 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Above: Amur tigers and snowy owls are native to cold climates and can be seen lounging in snowflakes. Below: White-lipped deer grow a thicker

coat to kee p comfy during winter months.

People can build snowmen, hurtle down hills on toboggansand warm up with a mug of hot chocolate, but winter weather isno fun for most animals living in temperate climates. Windblows, snow falls and food becomes increasingly hard to find.

To get through winter, animals rely on a range of well-honedsurvival strategies. Ducks and geese migrate south in search offood and open water. Black bears bulk up and bunker down. Deerdevelop thick coats to shield themselves from chilly gusts.

Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes have their own strategy formaking it through the leaner months. Cold-blooded creatures native to the north-centralUnited States (see page 18), massasaugas are

especially vulnerable to ice and cold, as they rely on ambient tem-peratures to maintain their metabolism. To stay warm, the snakeswinter in what may seem to be an unlikely place: underwater.

As temperatures decline, eastern massasauga rattlesnakesmake their way to abandoned crayfish burrows and other shel-tered tunnels that are full of water. The snakes then submergethemselves to wait out winter. The underground burrows staywarm enough to keep the water within from freezing, and theextremely cold water induces a hibernation-like state where thesnakes can survive on suspended oxygen. Come spring and warmweather, the massasaugas resurface, still chilled, perhaps, but farfrom frozen.

amazing adaptations) Waiting Out Winter(

Active during warm weather, eastern massasauga rat-

tlesnakes retreat underwater to wait out winter.

WINTER 2009 17

18 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Here’s a population-planning riddle for you—how do youknow when two eastern massasauga rattlesnakes aren’t thesame gender? The answer? When you come in one morningand find six other rattlesnakes sharing their exhibit.

An Ontario nature center found itself in this position inJuly. Their permit allowed them a pair of snakes—bothmale—to educate visitors on the viper’s role in the localecosystem and the threats it faces in the wild. But the gendergaffe and six new arrivals put them in violation. The OntarioMinistry of Natural Resources confiscated the snakes, andafter a brief stop at the Toronto Zoo, they were shipped toLincoln Park Zoo, which houses the Eastern MassasaugaSpecies Survival Plan (SSP).

In transit, the snakes represented a large chunk of the zoopopulation. Just 40 eastern massasauga rattlesnakes live inNorth American zoos. This scarcity reflects their status in thewild. While the massasauga isn’t federally endangered, everystate across its range offers the species protected status.

The primary threat facing the massasauga is habitat loss.Houses and farms have overtaken the woods and wetlandswhere the reptiles make their homes. New roads establishdeadly barriers; automobiles are the leading cause of massas-auga deaths. Compounding the challenge is peoples’ attitudestoward the snakes. Many homeowners and hikers are uncom-

fortable with the thought of protecting venomous snakes,even though the shy species poses a negligible threat tohumans and plays a crucial role in managing wetlands rodentpopulations. Even worse, some poachers illegally collect thesnakes, further impacting an already-endangered population.

Conservation planning is further complicated by the fact thatthe snakes’ needs change with the seasons. Eastern massasaugarattlesnakes spend warm months roaming in search of the smallrodents that make their meals: mice, shrews and voles. As winterdescends, the snakes shift to wetlands, hibernating underwater inold holes and burrows (see page 17). Wide-ranging much of theyear, the snakes congregate during winter in the same specializedhibernation spots. As a result, even small-scale local developmentcan disrupt an entire massasauga population.

In Illinois, these threats led the state Department ofNatural Resources to join with the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService to develop a species-recovery team. One of the team’sfirst steps was to seek a population biologist to contribute tolong-term planning. Lincoln Park Zoo’s expertise in planningfor small populations, coupled with its existing interest in theeastern massasauga rattlesnake—Diane Mulkerin, Curator ofRegenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House, served as studbookkeeper for the species—led to a perfect fit.

Rattlesnake Conservation Benefits fromCareful Planning…and a Little Chance

The Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo will promote

local conservation by providing a natural habitat in the

zoo’s backyard. But the zoo’s efforts to conserve native

species extend far beyond Chicago. One animal that’s ben-

efiting is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. This small,

shy, cryptically colored reptile is scattered throughout the

central United States, occupying wetlands, moist grass-

lands and forests. It’s endangered in Illinois due to habitat

loss. And thanks to a mating mix-up, efforts to establish a

stable zoo population have received an unexpected boost.

BY JAMES SEIDLER

Snakes Need Saving Too

WINTER 2009 19

“We had a series of meetings, and I realized that theAssociation of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) needed to match whatwas being done at the state levels,” says Joanne Earnhardt, Ph.D.,director of the Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology.Earnhardt petitioned the AZA to boost its emphasis on massas-auga conservation, elevating the species from Population-Management-Plan status to the SSP level, which requires greaterzoo coordination. The AZA agreed, and Lincoln Park Zoo becamehost to the newly created Eastern Massasauga SSP. Earnhardt wasnamed SSP coordinator, Mulkerin continued to serve as studbookkeeper and Research Biologist Lisa Faust, Ph.D., was named fieldadvisor for the species.

The SSP’s first step was surveying the existing zoo population.“The SSP determines how many snakes should breed, whichsnakes should breed and with whom,” says Earnhardt. “To makethose decisions, we needed to know the origins of the snakes inour care.”

By pairing animals that are as distantly related as possible, zoopopulation planners maintain the diversity of the wild. But thesebreeding recommendations come from analyzing studbooks,detailed records of the family trees of each individual within thezoo population. In the case of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes,much of the zoo population has been confiscated from institu-

tions lacking permits or poachers illegally collecting the animal.Zoos didn’t know where the snakes originated, making effectivepopulation planning extremely difficult.

Enter Richard King, Ph.D., professor of ecology and evolutionat Northern Illinois University. A snake researcher, King had test-ed eastern massasaugas throughout their range and developedgenetic profiles unique to each region. “Snakes don’t move arounda lot—they’re not like birds, they can’t fly,” says Earnhardt.“Because of this lack of mobility, snakes in a given region tend to move in a similar genetic direction. These shared differencesmake it possible to distinguish a Michigan massasauga from anIllinois one.”

The zoos housing massasaugas provided blood samples from the snakes in their care. King analyzed the samples, identi-fying each snake’s place of origin, and Earnhardt and collabora-tors used this information to develop the first breeding plan forthe species.

While the population remains small, Earnhardt hopes the newarrivals will spur future growth toward a larger, healthier zoo pop-ulation. “Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes are great ambassadorsfor local conservation,” says the scientist. “People often don’t real-ize that snakes face many of the same threats as other endangeredspecies. We can all work together to stop their decline.” <<

Left: Local conservation isn’t limited to the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo is leading the way in conserving the eastern massas-

auga rattlesnake, endangered in Illinois. Below: Individual scale patterns and radio-transmitting tags help researchers keep tabs on the snakes in

the wild.

20 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

A Family ReunitedNew arrivals are joyous occasions at the zoo, and the keepers at

the Helen Brach Primate House were excited with the SpeciesSurvival Plan-recommended birth of a female Allen’s swamp mon-key in June. Elation quickly turned to sorrow, though, as the moth-er passed away from complications due to pregnancy just one dayafter giving birth.

The remaining monkeys in the group—the father and three sib-lings—were all male and unequipped for caregiving. So zookeep-ers stepped in to fill the gap, offering round-the-clock care to steerthe infant to maturity. (Human rearing of zoo animals is alwaysundertaken as a last resort.)

Formula was served every two hours to ensure that the newarrival was nourished. To minimize human influence, all feedingswere delivered via a “surrogate”—a stuffed bear that served as arough stand-in for the missing mother. These feedings occurred insight of the family group, which immediately took an interest inthe new arrival. “Any time she was fed, they came right up to themesh separating them,” says Zoological Manager of PrimatesMaureen Leahy. “Of course, they may have wanted the bottle too,”she laughs.

Thanks to the keepers’ dedicated care, the young female thrived.After a month, she was placed in a “howdy” enclosure adjacent tothe main exhibit to let the family group become more familiar with

her. Branches and vines were added to the “howdy” to encourageher to climb, jump and swing, just like her older brothers. Bottlefeedings were eventually replaced with solid foods, including fruits,vegetables, leafy greens and monkey chow.

Behind the scenes, keepers gradually introduced her to the restof the family, starting with the youngest, a 2-year-old, and workingtheir way up to dad. Everything went smoothly—the two youngestimmediately took to playing with her—and so the entire group wasreunited in November.

“She’s probably had to grow up a little faster than she wouldhave otherwise, but everything’s going great,” reports Leahy. “It’sgood to see them all together.”

Lizards Lounge at Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile HouseThe Ecosystem Area at Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile

House (SMRH) saw a new addition in November as three caimanlizards were introduced to the cotton-top tamarin and Hoffman’stwo-toed sloth exhibit. While the tamarins and sloths hang out inthe upper reaches of their enclosure, the brightly colored caimanlizards can be seen basking on the lower levels.

Native to South America, these large lizards can reach up to 3feet in length. The zoo’s trio—all siblings—were born at SheddAquarium, but before the reptiles could make the short trip to theirnew home, keepers at SMRH had to get a handle on caring for

Above, left-to-right: This infant swamp monkey was recently reunited with her family at the Helen Brach Primate House. Caiman lizards are a col-

orful new addition to Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House. Opposite: An exercise program has led to weight loss for silverback JoJo in the

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums Year of the Gorilla.

wild file( )

another new species. Caiman lizards feed primarily on snails, andthe Shedd shipped over a starter colony of apple snails—the pre-ferred escargot—to give the zoo a head start. Keepers quicklylearned what the slimy newcomers needed to thrive, ensuring thatthe lizards’ diet was available when they arrived.

“It’s exciting to have new and unusual lizards in the building,”says Curator Diane Mulkerin. “Visitors will enjoy the diversity.”

Good Health in the Year of the GorillaThe World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has

declared 2009 to be the WAZA Year of the Gorilla. This conserva-tion event will highlight the threats facing gorillas in the wild andencourage efforts to conserve the majestic species.

As a leader in gorilla science, Lincoln Park Zoo has a number ofexciting efforts already underway. Scientists at the Lester E. FisherCenter for the Study and Conservation of Apes are analyzing apecognition with touch-screen technology and collaborating in fieldprojects to protect western lowland gorillas in the Republic ofCongo’s Goualougo Triangle.

At the same time, keepers and veterinarians are taking steps tomonitor the health of the gorilla groups living at RegensteinCenter for African Apes. The endangered animals underwent theirannual physicals in October, with veterinarians conducting a rangeof exams to check the great apes’ health. A team of cardiologistsand pulmonologists affiliated with the zoo’s Medical AdvisoryCommittee also participated, providing expert analysis of heartsand lungs. Much like people, gorillas are vulnerable to cardiovas-cular disease as they age—particularly silverbacks like JoJo, who is28 and weighs 500 pounds.

All of the apes checked out well. And some of the credit may bedue to an ape exercise program that has seen some of the…uh,bulkier…gorillas shed excess weight. Keepers use conditioning ses-sions with the gorillas to encourage activity–the apes sit and stand,move back and forth in the exhibit. It started slowly, but keepersare now seeing a lot more endurance.

Other changes have helped encourage weight loss. NutritionManager Shana Lavin, Ph.D., tweaked diets to make them morehealthful. Keepers discouraged excess snacking by placing supple-mental protein biscuits in “puzzle feeders” at the upper reaches ofthe exhibit. The climb encourages activity, and small openings pre-vent big hands from snagging more snacks than they need.

The results have been impressive. JoJo lost 25 pounds whilefemale Kowali has dropped twice that amount. Sleeker and health-ier, these gorillas are well-equipped to showcase their species dur-ing the WAZA Year of the Gorilla.

A Look Back at the Year of the FrogAs 2009 marks the beginning of the Year of the Gorilla, it also

marks the end of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Year ofthe Frog, a collaborative effort in which zoos and aquariums acrossthe country joined together to highlight the threat facing amphib-ians worldwide. Habitat loss, pollution and disease have placedlarge numbers of frogs, salamanders and newts at risk of extinc-tion. In response, zoos have made their conservation a priority,

jumpstarting breeding programs for at-risk species.New arrivals, such as axolotls, Oriental fire-bellied toads and

emperor newts, marked Lincoln Park Zoo’s Year of the Frog. At thesame time, successes in breeding programs for dyeing poison arrowfrogs and Solomon Island leaf frogs gave populations a boost, asthe zoo transferred new hatchlings to other institutions to furthertheir conservation.

“The Year of the Frog may be over, but we’re still working toconserve amphibians,” says Mulkerin.

WINTER 2009 21

22 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Newlyweds commonly move into homes larger than they presentlyneed, predicting a future filled with bouncing babies. Architects andcurators at Lincoln Park Zoo are taking the same tack. Of course, theblack rhinoceros newborns they’re hoping for weigh up to 100 pounds,have two nubby horns jutting from their heads and use steel kegs asplaythings.

In September 2008, renovation began on the exhibit at the northend of Regenstein African Journey, which had most recently housedBactrian camels. Around that time, a 3-year-old femaleblack rhinoceros was transferred to Lincoln ParkZoo from the Great Plains Zoo, complementingthe current resident—a 22-year-old male.

Great planning by the Black RhinocerosSpecies Survival Plan went into the animaltransfer, ensuring that this female represents thebest possible genetic match for the male. Greatplanning also went into the design of the facilitythey’ll share.

The project, expected to cost $1 million, will be completed in early2009 and is underwritten by the generosity of the Caryn and KingHarris family. The new exhibit will provide three separate rhino areasconnected by state-of-the-art transfer chutes. There will be wallowsand shady areas in which to relax, a scale to weigh the massive mam-mals and protected-contact setups where veterinarians can performcheckups. The public space around the exhibit will present a dynamicblack rhino educational experience, highlighting the status of thespecies in the wild as well as zoo efforts to conserve it.

The added space will also facilitate breeding, as the animals willhave plenty of space in which to get comfortable with one another.Should breeding go well, the large yards will provide space for youngrhinos to romp and enable the adult male to be separated from the female and offspring if need be. New arrivals will be part of a comprehensive Association of Zoos and Aquariums conservation pro-gram for the species, considered by some to be the world’s most endan-gered mammal.

For now, the male and female are not allowed physical contactbeyond some nuzzling between adjacent holding areas. While both aregiven outside access, they won’t share a space (indoor or outdoor) untilshe grows up a bit. At just 1,600 pounds, she’s much smaller than her3,000-pound potential paramour.

But Zoological Manager of Regenstein African Journey MarkKamhout is happy to see that the two appear to be interested in eachother. In addition to that nuzzling, they bob heads, sniff and snort at oneanother. Good signs…honestly.

“The new rhinoceros space is going to be great,” beams Kamhout.“It’s going to enable us to become a leader in rhino breeding and conser-vation. The expanded yards will be better for the animals and give guestsa more accurate approximation of wild rhino behavior.”

Everyone is hoping that behavior results in new residents at the new exhibit.

back story( ) New Home, New Horns

WINTER 2009 23

Left: This new arrival, a 3-year-old female, will occupy the expanded rhino yard. The extra space is designed to accommodate offspring—a hope

for down the road. Above: The renovated enclosure will feature shared and separate yards, a necessity for breeding. (Drawing by Interactive Design

Inc.) Below: Work began in September 2008. The project is slated to be completed in early 2009.

1. New Barrier Wall withGates to Separate Yard Areas

2. Enhanced Viewing Areas

3. New Transfer Chute Connecting Yards

4. Redesigned Rhino Holding Area

5. Pool Converted to Mud Wallow

6. Improved Drainage at Existing Yard

7. Paved Special Observer Area

KEY NOTES

45

2

2

22

37

1

6

24 LINCOLN PARK ZOO24 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Accolades for Elephant Work In September, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

announced that Lincoln Park Zoo, jointly with eight other zoolog-ical institutions, received its 2008 Significant Achievement Awardfor International Conservation for providing critical support to theTarangire Elephant Project in Tanzania.

For 15 years, members of this project have studied and protect-ed elephants in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park and the sur-rounding area, in addition to local zebras, wildebeest and buffalo.For more than a decade, Lincoln Park Zoo has provided researchfunding and essential scientific expertise. The zoo’s ResearchBiologist, Lisa Faust, Ph.D., works directly with the project’sfounders and directors, Charles and Lara Foley, to analyze data andmodel the ecosystem. They have several scientific publications inthe works.

“In addition to their groundbreaking elephant behavioralresearch, the Foleys have made real contributions to assessing andprotecting key habitat essential to a healthy Tarangire ecosystem,”says Faust. “Their work protects the elephants and the ecologicaldynamics of Tarangire.”

Having documented a gradual increase in the elephant popula-tion over the years (linked to a decline in the massive ivory poach-ing of the 1970s and 1980s), the research team is aware that otherthreats now loom. These include intense competition and conflictwith a burgeoning human population. However, in an exemplary,long-term partnership of zoos, governmental and non-govern-

mental bodies and local communities, the Tarangire ElephantProject uses sound science and a heartfelt appreciation of thisunique ecosystem to lead a model conservation program.

Now back working in Lincoln Park Zoo’s Alexander Center forApplied Population Biology, Faust continues to collaborate with theFoleys on demographic analyses and finalizing a scientific paper onthe elephant population’s history. “Being recognized by the AZA forthis award was a huge honor,” says Faust. “It pays tribute not only toour longstanding conservation work with the Foleys but to the col-laborative nature of this project, which includes contributions frommany AZA zoos on behalf of elephant conservation.”

Lincoln Park Zoo Summer Camp 2009 Sneak PeekIn 2009, Lincoln Park Zoo’s popular summer camp program

will be bigger, better and wilder than ever. The EducationDepartment is busy making plans, collaborating with colleagues inthe Conservation & Science and Collections Departments, andworking hard to ensure that summer camp 2009, made possible inpart by a grant from HSBC, exceeds the expectations of zoocampers and their families. The final schedule is still being deter-mined, but camp sessions are slated to begin June 15 and runthrough August 14.

New in 2009, Lincoln Park Zoo will offer two uniquely themedweeks of camp per age group (ages 4–14). Week A and Week B willbe independent of one another, so campers can enroll in one or bothweeks of camp. Campers looking for a two-week experience can

Above, left-to-right: For its work supporting elephant conservation in Tanzania, Lincoln Park Zoo received an Association of Zoos and Aquariums

2008 Significant Achievement Award for International Conservation. Expanded 2009 summer camps will provide more opportunities to learn about

nature. Opposite: ZooLights 2008 was another big success, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to see more than 1 million lights.

news of the zoo( )

enroll in consecutive or non-consecutive weeks. This flexibility letsbusy campers and their families take a couple weeks off between ses-sions for vacation or other summer plans. More summer camp infor-mation will be made available soon. In the meantime, please visitwww.lpzoo.org/education/classes or call 312-742-2056 with questions.

New Curator of Birds Colleen Lynch was named the Hope B. McCormick Curator of

Birds in September after serving as a population biologist withLincoln Park Zoo’s Population Management Center (PMC) for sixyears. “I am very excited to be working directly with the animal col-lection, combining the management and analytical skills I devel-oped at the PMC with my roots as a keeper at San Diego Zoo,” saysLynch. “Of course, I am also continuing to work as a populationbiologist on specific projects related to Micronesian kingfishers,Guam rails, Puerto Rican parrots and Santa Cruz scrub jays.”

Studying the Results of Scientific MatchmakingIn September, Lincoln Park Zoo Research Biologist Lisa Faust,

Ph.D., received a grant from the Institute of Museum and LibraryServices to evaluate and improve the cooperative-animal breedingprograms used in zoos. These Species Survival Plans andPopulation Management Plans are overseen by the Association ofZoos and Aquariums.

Species Survival Plans pool animals of an individual speciesacross all accredited zoos in North America and manage themcooperatively by issuing recommendations on which animalsshould breed and/or be transferred to other zoos based on genet-ics. Currently, there is no system in place to determine the out-comes of these recommendations, making it difficult to systemati-cally assess how to improve the management system. Faust’s three-year project will create a comprehensive system to monitor andassess the success of these recommendations, thus ensuring thatzoos are taking the best-possible steps to safeguard the populationsin their care. This unprecedented effort will provide a wealth ofinformation to inform future population planning.

Public Greets the Nature BoardwalkIn October, just as construction was getting underway, more than

60 neighbors of Lincoln Park Zoo gathered at an open house to learnabout the transformation of the South Pond into the NatureBoardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Project leader and Vice President of Facilities Neal David, AIA,discussed architectural plans, which include building vegetation-rich banks that will help animals move in and out of the water aswell as the open-air education pavilion and over-water gazebo.

Vice President of Conservation & Science Dominic Travis,D.V.M., educated residents about the native frogs, turtles, fish andbirds that the restored pond will welcome.

Vice President of Education Rachel Bergren explained how theNature Boardwalk will be a 14-acre outdoor classroom, comple-mented by new programs, interpretive elements and uniqueopportunities to connect the community to nature.

Divers Maintain Kovler Sea Lion Pool As part of a series of efforts to maintain and improve the water

quality of the Kovler Sea Lion Pool, SCUBA divers plunged into thewater in October to attach new diverters to the existing filtered-water inlets. The purpose was to redirect and slow the velocity ofclean water as it entered the pool to more evenly distribute it. Ananimal-safe dye was injected into the water to confirm that thediverters were acting as planned. The divers returned again inNovember to make some final adjustments and add two morediverters, further improving the already-welcoming habitat for thezoo’s harbor and gray seals.

Building Bonds between Chicago and Tanzania In June 2008, the zoo signed a conservation agreement with the

Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute, the governmental body incharge of that nation’s wildlife and conservation research. “LincolnPark Zoo has always had a strong commitment to conservation inTanzania,” says Vice President of Conservation & Science DominicTravis, D.V.M. “This agreement formalizes that relationship andwill enable us to take our efforts to a new level.”

A Preview of the Nature BoardwalkLincoln Park Zoo will display a model of the Nature Boardwalk

at the Chicagoland Flower & Garden Show, beginning March 7, 2009at Navy Pier. The replica will be about 2,800 square feet, enablingattendees of the show to walk through a compressed version of thelandscape. “The Flower & Garden Show is showcasing cultural insti-tutions,” says Lincoln Park Zoo Vice President of Communications& Public Affairs Marybeth Johnson. “The audience is environmen-tally conscious and educated on gardens and ecology, so this is agreat venue to showcase what will be the Nature Boardwalk.”

ZooLights Shines Bright ZooLights was again a smashing success this holiday season,

attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to marvel at morethan 1 million lights. Lincoln Park Zoo would like to thank pre-senting sponsors ComEd and Charter One Foundation as well asPepsi, WBBM-AM and NBC 5.

26 LINCOLN PARK ZOO

When the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo opens inspring 2010, it will play host to a spectrum of feathered residents.But during construction, bird lovers have an indoor refuge in theMcCormick Bird House—a facility brimming with color and songcourtesy of some 31 species.

It’s warm. It’s welcoming. It’s a winter retreat. The Bird House isfilled with bright and beautiful creatures that remind us that thecold won’t last forever. “The building is 70 degrees year-round,”says Curator of Birds Colleen Lynch. “When it’s 20 degrees outside,this is a good place to be.”

Head South! Head South! Immediately upon entering the building you’ll spot a flock of

birds on the wall flying in formation. It’s as if they’re migrating towarmer climates and inviting you along—Head south! Head south!

Your first stop is the Tropical Forest I Exhibit, where the lush greenfoliage is enlivened with flashes of color courtesy of the lesser greenbroadbill and red-legged honeycreeper. To round out the palette, thefairy bluebird flits between the branches like…well…a fairy.

A few steps away resides the Guam rail, a native of the Pacificisland with the bare legs to prove it. Then you encounter theSeashore Exhibit, which houses birds native to this region—

American avocet, piping plover—in a beach set-ting. It’s easy to remember sunny days on thesand while admiring these birds.

The nicobar pigeons add iridescent flash to theForest Edge Exhibit, while the scarlet ibis fanciesup the Wetlands Area with its bold, pink feathers.

A simulated tropical river flows through theFree Flight Area, enlivened with golden-breast-ed starlings and orange bishops, sunbitterns andthe comically mustachioed Inca tern. Thehumid tropical scene painted on the walls, densefoliage and natural sunshine courtesy of sky-lights help you forget about conditions outside(see sidebar).

If you can peel your eyes off the GuamMicronesian kingfisher within Tropical Forest II,look up. Notice how the pond reflects waves oflight onto the ceiling. It’ll warm your eyes, at least.

Within the nearby Deep Forest Exhibit, theburly Blyth’s hornbills romp among the branch-es. Next door in the Mountain Clearing, the blue-faced honeyeater flashes around the kookaburra.

And finally, in the Riverbanks Exhibit, thestunningly beautiful Bali mynahs grace their

verdant surroundings like blue-eyed ghosts. It’s no wonder they’recherished in their native Indonesia.

On your way out of the Bird House, wave to the keepers who arelikely in the kitchen preparing meals for the birds. Their shortsleeves can provide one last bit of vicarious warmth before you headback out into the cold.

The Warming Quality of Birds The polar bears are fun to watch as they romp through the snow,

but they don’t offer much relief from Chicago’s winters. It’s neat tosee the snowy owls employ their camouflage feathers, but after a fewminutes standing still, your toes get cold. And it’s a treat to see thesteam emit from the white-lipped deer buck as he patrols his yard,but a drag to see your own.

Inside the McCormick Bird House, however, the residents areacting like it’s summer in the Bahamas. And if your imaginationisn’t frozen, you can picture yourself there with them.

Warm, WelcomiNg & WiNged

The colorful forms of the lesser green broadbill (above), Nicobar pigeon

(opposite, top) and red-legged honeycreeper (right) make the

McCormick Bird House a welcoming winter destination. The building’s

Free Flight Area (top right) offers tropical heat and lively birdcalls.

<<

BY CHRIS MCNAMARA

You are Cleared for TakeoffThe Free Flight Area within the McCormick Bird

House is the most immersive experience at

Lincoln Park Zoo. Visitors literally walk through

the birds’ world. Curator Colleen Lynch offers the

following tips to optimize the experience:

•Come in and relax for a couple minutes. Wait for

the activity to begin around you. When people enter

Free Flight, the birds often stop and stay quiet for a

minute. Once they realize you’re going to hang out,

they get back to doing their own thing.

•Look down. People instinctively look up, but

you’ll never spot species like the pheasant

pigeons and crested wood partridges unless you

look on the ground.

•Focus on the waterfall. There’s always a lot of

activity there, especially with the Mandarin ducks

and Inca terns.

WINTER 2009 27

Probing for ParasitesIn order to know whether a population is sick, you must first

know what it means to be well. That may sound like the latestmantra for new-age living, but it’s really the illuminating principlebehind the Ecosystem Health Project. “Before we can analyzehealth issues in Gombe’s chimpanzees, we need to establish a base-line for what’s normal,” says Elizabeth Lonsdorf, Ph.D., director ofthe Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes.

One method that’s being used to gauge normalcy is a para-sitology study conducted in collaboration with specialist TomGillespie, Ph.D., of Emory University and the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention. To gauge how parasites are affecting thepark’s chimpanzees, Gillespie is examining fecal samples collect-ed by Fisher Center researchers from 2004 to the present to iden-tify parasites contained within. His preliminary analysis hasturned up a number of “bugs,” including serious pathogens, suchas cryptosporidia and giardia (the latter may be familiar to back-packers who have sampled untreated water on the trail).

While some nasty parasites have been identified, more infor-mation is needed to determine whether they’re impacting thepark population. “For parasites like giardia, we know they’re notgood to have, but we’re not sure at what level they start influenc-ing health,” says Lonsdorf. Under normal circumstances, low

levels of a parasite may not cause illness, but if conditionschange—if there’s increased stress, more contact with domesticanimals or harsher weather—sickness may occur.

To better understand this balance, Gillespie and Fisher Centerscientists are taking a number of innovative approaches. One sim-ple concept that’s having a big impact is the use of a standardizedsurveillance method. Previous parasitology projects used differ-ent procedures to gather and process samples, making it difficultto compare results. In contrast, Gillespie has developed a standardprotocol at Gombe, the zoo’s Goualougo Triangle research siteand other study areas throughout the region. This will enable easycomparisons, helping to establish a link between parasites andchimpanzee health.

At the same time, Gillespie is using advanced molecular-diag-nostic techniques to identify parasites more precisely. By nailingdown the species of each pathogen—something that’s impossi-ble with traditional visual IDs—Gillespie and collaborators can begin to map how parasites pass through the Gombe ecosystem. “This will give us a much better idea of the source ofeach pathogen,” says Lonsdorf. “We can begin to identifywhether parasites are chimpanzee-specific or whether they’reshared with humans or domestic animals that live in the sur-rounding area.”

gombe UpdatesWhile the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo will serve as a flagship for local conservation projects, the zoo continuesto advance the well-being of animals around the globe. A focal point for zoo efforts to conserve endangered animals isGombe National Park, the home of Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research. By monitoring the health of thepark’s roughly 100 chimpanzees, the Gombe Ecosystem Health Project gathers information that can be used to protectthe apes throughout Africa.

BY JAMES SEIDLER

Lonsdorf cautions that time will be needed to develop aclear baseline. “Five years of data is good; 10 years is better,”says the scientist. Every bit of information will help formulatea clearer picture of chimpanzee health, though, making it easi-er to preserve a population in peril.

New Research: Studying Maternal Stress Chimpanzee communities are complicated. Groups can

number from 20–100 animals, but all of these chimpanzeesrarely gather in the same space at one time. Instead, the apesmove through the forest in loose aggregations: males patrol theborders for rivals, females in estrus are surrounded by eagersuitors and lone chimpanzees forage for food or shelter.

Families often travel together as well. In chimpanzees, thefamily group consists of a female and her offspring; males don’tcontribute to parenting. As a result, the mother-child relation-ship is an enduring one, reflecting the fact that young chim-panzees nurse until 3–4 years of age and continue to be social-ly dependent until 8–10. Even after reaching maturity, manychimpanzees continue to travel with their mothers. Male off-spring receive maternal support as they attempt to climb thedominance hierarchy, and older siblings lend a hand in caringfor new arrivals.

The importance of the mother-child connection makes it arich subject for study. To better understand this bond, Lonsdorf,Endocrinologist Rachel Santymire, Ph.D., of the Davee Centerfor Epidemiology and Endocrinology and collaborator CarsonMurray, Ph.D., have embarked on a new study. Its focus proba-bly won’t surprise anyone who’s had children: the scientists arelooking at maternal stress.

Specifically, they aim to examine how maternal stress affectsthe health and development of offspring. By analyzing fecal sam-ples from chimpanzee mothers, the scientists can map levels ofcortisol, a stress hormone, over time. These results can be com-pared with Gombe’s wealth of observational and health data totry to determine how a mother’s stress levels affect her offspring.

“We’re looking to answer several questions,” says Lonsdorf.“What factors influence stress? Is there a relationship betweena mother’s stress levels and those of her offspring? Does mater-nal stress influence maternal behavior? How does this impactthe offspring’s long-term development?”

With sample collection just beginning, these questionswon’t be answered for some time. Still, by examining themother-child relationship in our closest living relative, thezoo researchers may eventually shed light on the same rela-tionship in our own species. Stress, after all, is part of the par-enting process, whether you’re a chimpanzee in GombeNational Park or a mom here in the city. <<

To better conserve endangered chimpanzees at Gombe National

Park, zoo scientists are studying their health. Behavioral observations

(right) and analyses of fecal samples for parasites and stress levels

(above) help provide a baseline on well-being.

PO Box 14903Chicago, IL 60614www.lpzoo.org

Non-profitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDLincoln Park Zoo

Your membership supports everything we

do, from animal care to publishing Lincoln

Park Zoo magazine. Thank you.

membership matters)(

Valentine’s Day Treats ADOPTThis Valentine’s Day, treat your loved one to a red wolf,

harbor seal or snowy owl ADOPT package and know thatyou’re helping to feed the animals their favorite treats.Proceeds from ADOPT purchases helpLincoln Park Zoo buy meaty bones forred wolves, herring for harbor sealsand mice for snowy owls. (You canstick with chocolates.)

Each Valentine’s Day TreatsADOPT package costs $40 (plus$5 for shipping) and includes a redwolf, harbor seal or snowy owl plushanimal, ADOPT certificate, animal factsheet and animal photo.

ADOPT packages can be purchased atwww.lpzoo.org, by calling 312-742-2322 or on zoogrounds.

Visit www.lpzoo.org for acalendar of programs andspecial events

Win a Free Behind-The-Scenes Tour!Love Lincoln Park Zoo magazine? Have changes orcomments? Visit www.lpzoo.org/survey to give usyour feedback! By completing our survey, you can be

entered in a drawing to win a free behind-the-scenes tour!

Don’t forget!Zoo members

receive a discount on registration.

SAVE THE DATE! Members-Only Open HousesJoin us on March 27–28 and April 4–5 for members-

only open houses at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo.

Learn about the wild residents (all native to this region of

North America). Ascend into the heavens in the Treetop

Canopy Climbing Adventure. Partake in cool activities

and make a craft to take home. Tickets are available for

Household-level members and above. Call 312-742-2322

to make a reservation.